Little Rock, Ark.-based Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists has seen about a 30% to 40% jump in its ASC volume from January to early May, owner and CEO Dominic Maggio, MD, said.
He discussed two factors behind this growth, and the biggest being recent Medicare policy changes, including the removal of several spine procedures from the inpatient-only list.
“Previously, there were cases I had to perform at the hospital simply because of insurance requirements,” Dr. Maggio told Becker’s. “Now I have more flexibility in determining the best setting for each patient. There will always be patients who are better suited for hospital care, but many more patients can now safely undergo surgery in an outpatient setting. In my experience, patients generally prefer an outpatient option if given the choice.”
Another aspect is something that’s been baked into his practice’s culture and staff.
“A lot of our team members have been here for more than 10 years,” he said. “One advantage of having our own facility is the consistency. Patients see familiar faces, and our staff works together seamlessly. That continuity naturally improves efficiency and the overall patient experience.”
Dr. Maggio has had partial buy-in and spent years learning the financial and operational aspects of the business. And in the first quarter of 2026 he transitioned to full ownership into the practice, its ASC and MRI facility.
“It’s really been a dream come true,” he said. “Even though this was always the plan, there’s a lot involved with financing and preparing for a transition like this. A year ago, I was still learning and planning for the future. Now that it’s officially happened, I’m excited to focus on what comes next.”
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.